A New Chapter in Valencia: My First Impressions of the Volunteering Project
Two weeks ago, I moved to Valencia for a volunteering project at some of the city’s museums. While my actual work hasn’t started yet, I’ve already had the chance to explore a bit and immerse myself in the atmosphere of this beautiful city. I can’t wait for the project to begin, but in the meantime, I’ve been captivated by the first experiences I’ve had.
One of the things that struck me immediately was the greenery of Valencia. Although I come from a small countryside town, this city has made me feel right at home. The park surrounding the Natural Science Museum, where I’ll be starting my volunteering, is a peaceful spot where I will enjoy taking a walk before heading to work. Valencia is truly a “green” city, with large green spaces that make strolling outdoors a pleasure and make me forget about being far from my natural landscape.
Another aspect that has made me feel at ease is the climate. Coming from southern Italy, where winters are mild and sunny, Valencia’s sunshine greets me with the same warm familiarity as Naples where I spent most of my life. This is something not to be underestimated, especially when you’re far from home and looking for something that gives you a sense of continuity.
Although my work hasn’t begun yet, I’ve had the chance to visit the museums I’ll be collaborating with and meet the directors. This meeting allowed me to connect with a reality that I can’t wait to explore further. I’m excited to work in such a rich cultural context, and I’m sure every experience here will help me grow both personally and professionally.
Another aspect that surprised me and made me feel even more at home is the local food culture. As an Italian, food is a fundamental part of my life, and I was thrilled to discover the typical dishes of Valencia. In just a few days, I’ve already lost count of how many bocadillos I’ve eaten – a real treat!
Lastly, I can’t help but notice the similarity between the people of Valencia and those from southern Italy. Spaniards are known for being kind and sociable, just like us Italians. This lively and warm character has made adjusting to this new city even easier. Spontaneous conversations and sincere smiles made me feel welcomed from the very first moment.
It’s only been a few days since I arrived in Valencia, but I already feel at home. I can’t wait to start my volunteering project and continue discovering all that this city has to offer.
